It depends on the size of the snake, some I put in a rubbermaid tub, some a kitty litter bucket. Whatever you use, make sure it has a secure lid with some air holes. Either way, don't make the water much higher than the snake's body. For example, Slinky is about 2 inches "tall" at her widest point, so I put in 2" of water. Peaches is only about 1" wide, so she only gets 1" of water. If its just the regular weekly soak, I'll leave them in for 1/2 hour, if they're in shed they get a full hour.